Sean C. Morgan
Of The New Era
Santiam River Development Company has started preparing the first of its land for the development of a 66-lot subdivision approved by the Planning Commission in June.
“We’re cleaning up,” said Phil Ordway, a managing partner. “Let’s put it that way.”
The company started with the demolition of an old house, one built by a now-defunct Sweet Home company for use in Japan. The houses were built tall and narrow to fit onto small Japanese lots.
The house was located on property purchased from Jim Melcher, off the intersection of 47th Avenue and Green River Road, Ordway said. That will be where the subdivision’s 47th Street entrance will be located.
Santiam River Development took the house and garage down about two weeks ago.
“We’re starting the clean-up process,” Ordway said, but “we won’t start the construction process until spring unless you guys have a really dry winter.”
The company has permits to do some minor earth work and site cleanup, Ordway said, and it is planning to tear up some concrete and asphalt pads and grade a small portion of the site.
“The purpose of it is to get it cleared up for marketing,” Ordway said. “We’re going to start marketing in August.”
Santiam will cooperate with local and regional brokers during its marketing campaign, Ordway said.
The subdivision includes 66 lots east of Clark Mill Road. It is part of a 1,575-lot master plan spanning the north part of Sweet Home from the old Willamette Sweet Home Mill site to Wiley Creek.
The master plan is shared by Western States Land Reliance Trust, represented by Managing Trustee Dan Desler and by Santiam River Development, represented by managing partners Troy Cummins and Ordway.
This subdivision is the first east of Clark Mill Road in Santiam River Development’s portion of the master plan.
“One of our first efforts is going to be to make contact with all the local and regional brokers,” Ordway said. “Next year will be a more concerted marketing effort.”
The subdivision will primarily be custom homes, although Santiam River Development may build a few “spec” homes, Ordway said.
The custom homes will be constructed by local and regional custom builders, Ordway said, including at least two Sweet Home-area builders.
“We’re happy that we’re finally getting going with some site work and cleanup,” Ordway said.
“It’s been a couple of years of preparation, and we’re happy to be moving.”